Deadline:
As soon as possible
Location(s)
United Kingdom
Overview
The Tech Nation Visa Scheme makes it possible for tech talent from around the world to come and work in the UK’s digital technology sector, and is part of Tech City UK’s mission to ensure that the UK continues to maintain its position as a globally competitive digital economy. Tech City UK is the designated competent body for digital technology and has the ability to endorse applications for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa. If you receive an endorsement from Tech City UK, then you will be eligible to be to submit your Visa application to the Home Office.
Details
What is the Tech Nation Visa?
The Tech Nation Visa enables the brightest and best tech talent from around the world to come and work in the UK’s digital technology sector, contributing their cutting-edge expertise, creativity and innovation to maintaining the UK’s position at the forefront of the global digital economy.
Tech Nation has been designated by the Home Office to endorse applications for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa in digital technology. If you’re exceptionally talented or show exceptional promise and want to work in the UK’s digital technology sector, the Tech Nation Visa can help you do this.
The Application Process
Stage 1: Application for Endorsement
This is your application for endorsement by Tech City UK, who will assess whether you qualify for this visa route.
In order to apply you first need to complete the Home Office application for endorsement, either offline or online, as well as the Tech Nation Visa application form, which you will need to print and include with your application.
Full details of what you need to submit be can be found in our eligibility criteria document as well as on the Home Office website.
You will then need to send the application pack, including your supporting evidence, in hard copy directly to the Home Office; the postal address can be found in the FAQs below.
At this stage, you’ll have to wait to hear back directly from the Home Office on whether you have been endorsed by Tech City UK. This can take approximately 8 weeks.
If your application is not endorsed you have three options:
- Apply for a review (in which case we’ll reassess your application based on the submissions you provide to the Home Office via your review form)
- Send a fresh application with new evidence Apply for a different visa route.
Stage 2: Application for the Visa
If you have been endorsed, you are then able to apply for your Tier 1 visa. The documents you need are listed here.
You can apply for a visa duration up to a maximum of 5 years and 4 months if you apply outside the UK or 5 years if you apply inside the UK.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Eligibility criteria for Tech Nation Visa Applicants (Exceptional Talent / Promise)
In order to enter the UK through the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent / Exceptional Promise) route you must:
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Be established as a world leader in the eld of digital technology; or
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Demonstrate the potential to become a world leader in the eld of digital technology; and/or
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Be an internationally recognised skilled professional in this eld; and/or
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Have the necessary business and technical skills to grow and scale-up technology companies.
Please see below examples of the types of technical and business skills and roles that this visa route is designed for.
Dates
Deadline: As soon as possible
Cost/funding for participants
Key benefits of the Tech Nation Visa
- For employees and founders
- Technical & business backgrounds
- Exceptional Talent & Promise routes depending on experience
- For all tech sub-sectors (i.e. fintech, AI, cyber, games, etc.)
- Visa granted for up to 5 years and 4 months
- Dependants allowed subject to requirements
Cost
- Stage 1: £456*
- Stage 2: £152*
*Please note that this does not include additional administrative costs such as your BRP enrolment fee and NHS surcharge.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
